The Bees are back in league action this weekend as they aim to clinch their third win in a week when they host Gateshead on Saturday.
John Still’s men go into tomorrow’s encounter off the back of an impressive FA Cup win in mid-week. The Bees travelled to Bristol Rovers in a First Round replay on Wednesday and produced a huge upset, winning 2-1 against the League One side. For the second time this week, they clinched victory after falling behind. This time it was Tom Nichols who struck first but Craig Robson, who netted in the initial tie, equalised 13 minutes later. The game was quickly turned on its head when Byron Harrison bagged the winner two minutes later meaning it will be the Bees who face Stockport County in Round Two.
Last Meeting:
Our last meeting with Gateshead was a very special day for everyone associated at the club.
The Hive London played host to our most recent encounter with The Heed back in April 2015 and after the Bees clinched the three points, they were crowned Conference champions.
After Sam Togwell delivered a floating free-kick into the box, Mauro Vilhete produced a bullet header to give Martin Allen’s side the lead on 25 minutes.
It was the Barnet number 16 who made sure of the title just after the break, tapping in from close range as the Bees returned to the EFL.
Manager: Steve Watson
Steve Watson was appointed Gateshead boss in October 2017 after Neil Aspin left the club to join League Two side Port Vale.
Prior to his move to The Heed, he was assistant manager at Macclesfield Town but has no previous experience at being at the helm of a club. The 44-year-old was also a coach at Huddersfield Town and Birmingham City.
As a player, Watson began his career at Newcastle where he played over 250 times for the club and remains the youngest player to wear the famous black and white jersey. During his spell at The Magpies, he made 12 caps for England U21s.
Watson then went on to play for Aston Villa, Everton and West Brom before hanging up his boots at Sheffield Wednesday in 2009.
In his debut season in charge of Gateshead, he guided them to a 17th placed finish in the National League.
One to Watch: Luke Armstrong
After signing on loan from Middlesbrough in the summer, it’s safe to say, Luke Armstrong has hit the ground running at Gateshead.
The 22-year-old striker has bagged six goals already this campaign as he tops The Heed’s leading scorers for the season.
However, he has only found the net once since August due to injury but he will be hoping to regain his prolific form at The Hive tomorrow and add to his goal tally.
Recent Form:
Sitting eighth, one point off the play-off places, Gateshead are enjoying a much better season than the last.
However, The Heed have only picked up two wins in their last five league games. A 1-0 victory away at Havant & Waterlooville was quickly followed up by a 3-0 home win over Aldershot. However, Gateshead go into tomorrow’s game without a win in three and their recent dip in form began at Fylde. A stoppage time Danny Rowe winner meant Gateshead left Mill Farm empty handed. They began November with a trip to Wrexham and they fell to another defeat, this time losing 3-1. However, they managed to get points back on the board when they hosted Sutton last weekend, drawing 0-0.
As for their away form, Gateshead have picked up five wins out of their 10 matches on the road this season.
They have also bagged 25 goals this campaign, four more than Barnet. They also hold a better defensive record too having seen 17 fly into their net, six less than John Still’s side.
Last 5 league games: WWLLD
